In my last post, I was tagged by TheLordsDaughter.

As a new year begins, I did my annual ‘new year goals’ list yesterday.

I thought I might share it…

(I don't literally have 2007 goals... rather 10 main ones)

2007 Spiritual Goals

1. Continue daily in devotions and quiet time
2. Memorize a verse per week
3. Have special times alone with Jesus
4. Take notes in church
5. Pass out tracts wherever I go
6. Get into deep prayer
7. Work on attitude and respect
8. Work on pride and selfishness
9. Make siblings good friends
10. Start writing about falling in love with Jesus

Lord, I believe that

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Please strengthen me with Your strength to do

what You’ve commanded me to do.

Keep the ‘windows’ of my ‘lighthouse’ clean and clear

so the Christ will shine through me.

Help me to “… be… and example of the believers, in word,

in conversation, in charity, in spirit, (and) in purity.”

Help me put aside and abstain from all “… adultery, fornication,

 uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkedness, (and) revellings…”

Give me instead, the fruit of the Spirit- “…love, joy, peace, longsuffering,

gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, (and) temperance.”

Let this year be a year of growth into the woman You would have me to be.

… exact copy of my notebook.

I pray that this year the Lord will work through anyone reading this’ heart.

Yesternight (or yesteryear, for that matter)

our church had an all-youth night service!

We’re a pretty small church, so there are only 3 ‘teens’.

The pastor’s son (home from bible college) preached the message,

his younger son led the singing and sang a special, I played piano,

and the children from like 2 – 12 were our choir.

Here was the paper I had with me at the piano:

A while ago, the Holy Spirit laid this particular 'topic' up my heart.

I entertained the possibility of writing a book about this, if God wills…

but I decided to at least get the main idea out.

While so many young maidens long for romantic relationships,

few realize that it’s already there!

We are loved with an Everlasting Love,

and our ‘Prince’ is waiting for us with His arms open.

We long for someone who loves us, understands us, listens to us,

protects and cares for us – is crazy about us!

As I mentioned in a previous post, this is a good desire… a God-given desire.

Doesn’t it only make sense that the One who instills

these desires knows how to fulfil them?

What is important to realize is that marriage on Earth

represents our relationship with Christ.

Everything that we desire in marriage, we have completely in the Lord!

A while ago I was searching for some ideas,

and came across a ‘Divorce Proofing Your Marriage’ list

and got some ideas of how to fall in love with Jesus.

I altered some of the list and added some of my own to fit my subject.

1. Make our relationship the most important thing.
2. Go the extra mile to serve.
3. Be a good listener – read His ‘Love Letter’ to us. (the Bible)
4. Spend quality time alone with Him. – Just go to a quiet place and talk with Him. Have ‘dates’ with Jesus!
5. Say “I love you” a lot – frequently tell Him of your love and affection.
6. Make Him our best friend.
7. Praise, and not critisize – don’t complain or be angry with Him when something didn’t go our way; rather thank Him for what He brings upon us. He uses troubles to draw us closer to Him
8. Be quick to ask forgivness.
9. Go places / do work together – do things with Him, keeping Him in our mind and talking to Him. I frequently find myself just talking out aloud to Jesus… He’s really there and does listen!
10. Give gifts to Him – surrender what He asks for (our time, talent, etc...).
11. Look the best we can for Him – He is a neat and orderly God. When I get dressed, I like to think, “Lord, what do you want me to wear?”
12. Tell others about Him – A bride-to-be has trouble finding anything else to talk about then that she’s getting married, and all about her fiance’! How much more should we tell others about the One Who has won our heart!
13. Take an interest in things that interest Him – Funny how a girl ‘in-love’ starts to take interest in her ‘special someone’s’ interests, that, maybe, she never really thought of before! – “Study” Jesus. Get to know Him better and enjoy the things He does as well as depise the things He hates.

Falling in love with Jesus isn’t some make-believe fantasy…

it’s not just something to help us ‘survive’ until a husband comes along.

Knowing Jesus… it’s a real thing – He’s not a ‘pretend friend’.

He’s there… always was, is and will be.

“Delight thyself in the Lord;

and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Psalm 37:4

Oh, P.S.~ We got moved into our new house!

See my mom's post to get more info.

My mom received this in her Sunday School class some time ago.

I have found this 'checklist' to be a helpful visual reminder.

I made a copy on a small piece of paper and keep it in my purse.

I just wanted to share the list:

~ Is it right?

~ Will this bring me near some temptation?

~ Does this give place to the devil?

~ Is there anything contrary to it?

~ Am I trusting God or depending on my own strength?

~ Is it doubtful?

~ Will it cause someone to stumble?

~ Does it appear evil to anyone?

~ Would the Lord Jesus Christ do this?

~ Will it please God?

~ Am I trying to impress others with my spirituality?

~ Do I hope somebody notices me?

~ Does it satisfy?

~ Am I being selfish?

~ Am I denying the flesh?

~ Am I putting Christ first?

~ Is it expedient?

~ Will it bring glory to God?

~ Am I deceiving myself or being deceived?

~ Do I know better?

~ Am I searching for an excuse to justify what I want to do?

~ Do I have to hide it from anyone?

~ Did I handle the Word of God deceitfully?

~ Will this, in any way, defile God's body?

~ Can I sincerely thank God for it?

~ Can I do this in Jesus' name?

~ Can I go all the way with it?

~ Have I prayed about it?

~ Will it increase or hinder my prayer life?

~ Am I breaking a commandment to keep another?

~ What does my pastor think about it?

~ What do my parents/church brethren think about it?

~ Would I like to be doing this when Jesus Christ returns?

~ How will it appear at the judgement seat of Christ?

My mom and I found this video clip while visiting Fearlessly Femine's blog

and I wanted to share it...

LIE:

TRUTH:

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain:

 but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

~ Proverbs 31:30

Hi, I'm back... for a post or two.

I decided to write another post from my notes.

And before I wrote this, I asked the Lord to inspire me, and He sure did!

I could've written a lot more, but to save time and space, I narrowed it down.

Many of us tend to get wrapped up in the idea

that our goal in life is to be happy.

We constantly go out of our way, no matter how small, 

for our own happiness.

Buy a new do-dad, eat a yummy snack, watch TV, etc...

But what we need to realize is that we're NOT created

for our own happiness, but to glorify God;

in one sense, it doesn't really matter if we're happy or not!

(Of course, God does desire for us to be happy,

but our focus shouldn't be on trying to be happy,

but on doing God's will- which is what brings true happiness.)

When we forget our own desires and concentrate on

giving our lives in service for God and others,

He fills us with unexpressive joy!

Because loving God and others makes us happy,

while loving ourselves keeps us lonely.

If our single years are spent simply waiting for 'Prince Charming',

feeling self-pity, & dreaming of being married, life will be miserable.

But if these years are spent serving the Lord,

each day will only get sweeter.

So as you see, youth is full of the most valuable years in life.

Few people realize just how valuable these single years

can be for the Kingdom of God.

It's sad that today's teenager seems to think these years

are a time it's OK to be irresponsible, have problems,

rebellion, and struggles.

But this is completely opposite of how the Lord desires our teen years.

He tells us in 1Timothy 4:12,

"Let no man despise his youth;

After all, when the years of our youth are gone,

they've vanished forever.

The decisions we make now will affect the entire life ahead of us.

Not only is youth valuable, but it's powerful.

The world will often listen to young people

more quickly than they will adults.

Mature and wise youths stand out today;

they're noticed and their voice is heard.

What a wonderful time to share the gospel!

And I strongly encourage you, as a young, single person,

to devote yourself to the work of the Lord.

Since these years are full of so much potential, 

it is time now to start learning good qualities and good character.

Singleness is a special gift that is very profitable and fufilling.

So marriage cannot be our ultimate goal in life;

We must purpose in our hearts to have a life purpose

serving the Lord, giving our enitre lives to Him.

If we don't, we won't be fully prepared for marriage.

And unless we're focused on His work,

we'll never be fulfilled in singleness or marriage.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 6:33

In continuation from my notes...

Many of us young madiens find it very difficult to wait,

especially when we don't know how long we'll have to wait.

But what we may not realize is that this is a precious time,

taking us to deeper levels of trust, strengthens our faith,

reminds us to abide in Jesus, and teaches us to delight in the Lord.

The Lord has plans for each of us, but no matter who you are,

God's plan for you includes waiting.

There are several consequences that happen when we fail

to patiently wait for God to bring about His plans.

1. We miss God's lessons.

God intends to teach us many things through waiting.

We miss these special lessons in perseverance, trust, and faith

if we're not willing to wait.

2. We miss God's best.

God desires to give us His very best.

And many people have no idea what they've missed

because they weren't willing to wait and find out what the Lord had in store.

3. We miss God's help.

There are dangers that happen when we take matters into our own hands.

God wants us to learn to be dependent on Him.

4. We miss God's opportunities.

We miss the opportunities to show the world the power of God.

When we, by faith, follow God's ways, others are able to see His love

as they watch God work in the little details of our lives.

Many times we are tempted to think our Heavenly Father is late,

and since He's taking so long, we'd better take matters into our own hands.

But as we look back, we'll always see that God is exactly on time.

If it's God's will for us to be married, then He will not leave us single 

for even one day longer than He knows is best, right, & perfect.

But while we're waiting, it can be so hard to understand.

That's why it requires faith.

Young maidens commonly struggle with many fears, especially of marriage.

• What if I never get married?
• How will I know God's will?
• What if everyone thinks I'm weird because I don't have a boyfriend?
• How will I know when I meet the right person?
• What if I don't like the person God picks for me?

Fears like this often causes people to make wrong desisions.

But we shouldn't be governed by fear, but by faith.

Instead of feeding our fears, we could...

• Refuse to listen to Satan's lies.
• Fear the Lord. All other fears with diminish when you stay focused on God.
• Pay attention to the needs of the people God put in your life.
• Meditate on specific verses that remind you to rest in the Lord.

Waiting doesn't mean just sitting around

wondering when something's going to happen.   

Rather it means serving the Lord faithfully right now wherever He has put you.

Waiting includes the idea of service, not that we should do nothing,

but that we should be focused on Him and His work -

Serving God with all our hearts, resting in Him, and trusting

He'll take care of of everything else.

While waiting can be hard, it's necessary.

Ask the Lord for help.

He will always give us the strength to do what He has called us to do.

 For the LORD God is a sun and shield:

the LORD will give grace and glory:

no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalm 84:11-12

In continuation of my notes...

Many of us maidens have spent at least a few times

thinking, dreaming, wondering, imagining, &

asking the Lord about our futures.

While it is completely normal to wonder and think

about what might be in store for us,

we often find that the enemy will use this area to distract us

from our focus on Christ.

And in addition to our own struggles with our thoughts,

not to mention the influences around us,

is the fact that sooner or later we're gonna meet a guy that we 'like'.

The problem isn't so much as having a crush,

but how we respond to it.

One of the annoying things about crushes is that they happen so quickly.

We can meet a young man, and before we ever really know him,

we can find ourselves daydreaming about him,

possibly attaching our first name to his last name and seeing how it sounds,

and maybe picking out colors for our bridesmaid's dresses.

And when we finally notice what we're doing,

we feel disgusted or embarrassed,

and purpose not to think about it anymore.

But 5 minuets later, we suddenly realize we've just been

dreaming of "so and so" all over again...

wondering what our kids would look like,

or listing good places to go on a honeymoon, and so on.

So what should we do?

It's a really good idea not to talk about him with friends,

give any indications that you might be interested in him,

or dwelling on thoughts of him.

One of the best ways is to talk to your parents about it.

Though this may be difficult, scary, or embarrassing,

but they likely already guessed how you feel anyway.

This way they will be better able to pray for, protect, and advise you. 

Another idea would be to say a quick prayer for this particular young man,

(and not to pray that he would  be the God's will )

but that he would be strong in the Lord and be faithful in bringing

forth fruit in his life.

But whether or not he really is God's will,

(which he will reveal to you in His timing if he is)

your responsibility is to trust God in the area of marriage;

treat the young man in the same way

you would treat any other brother in Christ,

and focus on the Lord and doing His will.

 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

In continuation from my notes...

While many young maidens have chosen not to date,

many of them seem to think that the 1st man who asks to court is 'the one.'

Just because a young man approaches Father the right way,

and he says that he's 100% sure you're the one!... doesn't make him the right one.

You must have peace in your mind and heart,

and not respond in fear that there might not be another.

We need to be honest and wise, and if he isn't the right one,

we must tell him no.

When a man expresses interest in you,

it's quite flattering, and naturally you don't want to hurt him.

But it is neccesary to realize the Satan might offer his "best"

before God brings His best.

And God makes it plain that we as Christains are not to marry an unbeliever.

Because when you get married,

your goal becomes to please your husband.

How miserable it would be to marry a man

who did not want his children in church,

or didn't make decisions based on the Bible.

Yet while it is very important not to marry an unbeliever,

it's just as neccesary to marry a strong Christain.

Your husband needs the same vision,

commitments, and life purpose you have.

And vice versa.

When wondering if "he's the one",

it's a good idea to list some qualifications he should live up to.

A few qualifications could be*

• - Does he have assurance of eternal life?
• - Does he faithfully share the gospel with others?
• - Is he always truthful?
• - Is he commited to never being divorced?
• - Does he honor his parents?
• - Has he applied diligence in spiritual disciplines such as Bible reading,                                                     prayer, fasting, memorization, and giving?
• - Does he make all decisions based upon the Word of God?
• - Would you be excited to have him as the father of your children?
• - Is he diligent in his work and wise in his use of money?
• - Is God calling you in the same direction of ministry?
• - Does he ask forgivness when he is wrong?
• - Is he humble and willing to be a servant?
• - Is he kind, thoughtful, and gracious?
• - Is he generous with others?
• - Does he respond to criticism in a Christlike way?
• - Is he willing to stand alone?
• - Do you see spiritual fruit in his life?

(* 'qualifications' quoted exactly from the book)

Most importantly, look for fruit in a young man's life.

It's not enough that he just says he wants to serve the Lord,

you need to see spiritual fruit in his life.

It is also important to know if you're ready for marriage as well.

It's good to think 'what kind of wife would

the man I'm looking for look for in a wife?'

Try to come up with ideas and start preparing now.

It's never too late or too early to prepare.

"Be not unequally yolked together with unbelievers:

for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrightousness?

And what communionhath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14

A couple months back, we visited Florida to help my Grandparents move.

And I remember when we had gone to church Sunday morning,

the youth pastor had said a phrase that is something to think about...

"Going to church doesn't make you a Christain,

just like being in a garage doesn't make you a car."

O&O